Centipede

This 1998 remake transforms the classic arcade shooter into a 3D adventure. You play as Wally, defending the Wee People from the QueenPede and her insect swarm across five distinct worlds. Gameplay modernizes the core shooting mechanic by introducing new weapons and skills within fully 3D environments. While significantly updated visually and structurally, this version preserves the original concept and even includes a way to unlock the classic Centipede experience for comparison.

This 1998 release is a significant reimagining of the classic arcade title, translating the foundational concepts of the original into a modern 3D environment. Players step into the role of Wally, an unlikely hero—the village's humble bean counter—who is thrust into action to defend the peaceful humanoid race known as the Wee People from the tyrannical QueenPede and her insectoid minions, including spiders, scorpions, and fleas. The core conflict revolves around an ancient legend predicting the periodic return of these armored beasts to conquer Weedom. The game offers a journey across five distinct worlds: Weedom, Frostonia, Inferium, Enigma, and Evile, each featuring multiple levels culminating in a boss encounter.

Core Gameplay and Modernization

As a shooter, the fundamental objective remains familiar: utilizing a mounted shooter vehicle to eliminate segmented threats descending from the top of the screen. However, this remake significantly departs from its 2D predecessor by introducing all-new 3D worlds and environments. Players gain access to new weapons and skills, providing updated tactical options beyond the original's singular firing mechanism.

How Does This Remake Differ from the Original?

While the premise and the central enemy (the segmented Centipede) are preserved, this version takes a substantial directional shift by embracing a full 3D presentation. The original Atari game was a fixed-screen, vector-style arcade experience. This iteration transforms the gameplay into a more adventure-oriented shooter set across varied, explorable 3D arenas. A notable feature for fans of the original is the inclusion of the original Centipede experience, accessible for those skilled enough to discover it, offering a direct comparison between the classic and the modernized interpretation.

Setting and Narrative Progression

The atmosphere blends fantasy and action, detailing Wally's quest to end the recurring curse upon the Wee People forever. The narrative structure guides the player through five distinct themed worlds, each presenting unique challenges and culminating in a confrontation with a powerful boss entity.

Platform Availability and Content

This title was released across a wide array of platforms, including the Dreamcast, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, original PlayStation, and Mac. Regarding downloadable content, there are no officially documented DLCs or expansions associated with this specific remake.

What kind of action can players expect in this version?

Players can anticipate fast-paced shooting mechanics integrated into complex 3D level designs, requiring the use of newly introduced weaponry and abilities to manage swarms of hostile insects across diverse thematic landscapes.